Your social calendar is about to get rather busy over the Christmas period, so how can you prepare your hair and body to feel sensational at every event? Robyn Moore shows us how

The fake-tan

A tan can instantly make you look more radiant and defined and with fake tan solutions developing all the time, you don’t have to be orange, streaky or wake up to a horrible fake tan smell any more.

The key to a successful fake tan is:

• Always use a fake tan mitt to avoid being left with orange hands and to distribute the lotion more evenly
• Ensure your skin is exfoliated and moisturised the day before to create an even texture
• Do not apply deodorant or perfume prior to tanning
• Leave the tan to develop overnight
• Never fake tan straight after a hot bath or shaving because your pores are still open. It will make the tan spotty or the pores will become irritated

If you are not brave enough to tan alone then book a professional spray tan two days before your event.

Nails

Dark nails are in for winter so think dark purples, black and dark greys. Add a modern twist to your nails and buy a matte-look varnish.

If your nails don’t hold nail varnish for long enough, then book yourself in for gel-nail varnish. I recently had my nails painted with gel-nail varnish at the House of Beauty in Shifnal and it lasted for two weeks, perfectly low maintenance for the party season.

If you are using acrylic nails then avoid technicians who use electric drills and files on your nails, you will be left with sore nail beds with broken and thin nails after they are removed.

Eyelashes

False eyelashes are a must for the party season, not only do they enhance your lashes, they give the illusion of a wider eye.

Always have a practice so you know how to apply the strips and cut them down to the right size for your eyes.

False eyelashes can transition your day look into an evening look flawlessly. Always throw your glue into your clutch bag just in case one comes lose throughout the night.

Hair

If you are pushed for time and can’t fit in a professional blowdry then don’t panic, follow these simple rules to gorgeous hair.

• Once you have washed your hair apply a blowdry lotion or an oil to keep hair smooth.
• Always use your nozzle on the end of your hairdryer. The direct air flow is designed to keep your hair cuticle lying flat in the correct direction so your hair appears smooth and healthy.
• Don’t go too adventurous, you will spend more time trying to flatten the extra curly curls or brushing out extreme back-combing. Play it safe but spend more time on perfecting it.
• Always use a hairspray to fix your style, even if it is a light spray… Hair needs fixing in this weather.

Fragrance

Never mix too many perfumes and don’t over spray. Once you have sprayed your body and garments add a spritz to your hair by holding your arm up directly above your head and letting the fragrance particles fall down on your hair.

Always take a fragrance in your bag but try and buy a smaller bottle or a roll-on so you won’t be too heart-broken when you realise you have lost you £60 bottle of perfume.

Lips

The night before your event, brush your lips lightly with your toothbrush or exfoliating wash and apply a thick covering of Vaseline to wake up with soft lips which are lipstick ready.

 

It’s certainly no surprise that your hair and skin changes as you progress through your life, but do you know how to transition your techniques to give your complexion what it needs? Robyn Moore shares the secrets

Your hair

No matter what your age I always recommend having your hair coloured and cut by professionals. Stylists know how to colour your hair without drying it out or over-processing the colour, which will prevent damage. They also know which style will compliment your face shape and which shade and tone suits your skin tone.

Every stylist should have a full consultation with you prior to commencing the service, if they fail to do this then ensure you ask for one. Without a consultation, it is highly unlikely you will walk out of the salon with what you had walked in wanting.

Take stylists’ advice because they know what suits you but use inspiration images to show them the look you are aiming for, after all, no one knows your style more than you.

Teens

As a teenager your hair looks better with a soft natural ombre (lighter ends) or sun-kissed highlights rather than a drastic change from your natural colour – choosing a colour too far away from your natural depth can look too artificial and hair will appear dry and unhealthy.

Teens don’t often have the disposable income to spend on maintaining their colour every six weeks so the more natural the colour the more unnoticeable the regrowth will be.

‘The Club 18 to 30’

The age group that is most likely to have hair extensions… so what do you need to know?

Never go too long with your hair extensions, it’s the extra weight which can cause tension on the hair resulting in hair loss.

There are lots of different methods out there, including tape hair, micro bead weft, weaves, micro bond and clip-in weft. Research the methods so you fully understand the process. If you think hair extensions can be washed and left to dry, think again. If you have hair extensions expect to add an extra 20 minutes on to your drying time.

Hair extensions can look amazing but they can also look awful – to get the best result choose a hair stylist who can show you their previous work.

The 30 -50 age group

Don’t be afraid to try something new, trends change and sometimes we can get stuck in our comfort zone but keeping your style fresh and changing the tone in your hair as you progress in life can keep you looking youthful.

If you want to disguise grey, go lighter. Adding a few lighter foils through your hair will help scatter the regrowth line and your greys will appear subtler in between colour services.

Over 50s

Your hair texture will start to change and become coarse, this is a natural part of the aging process. Embrace it and have a textures cut which will work for your hair.

If you have embraced your natural colour then have the occasional T-section of foils put through your hair to give it dimension.

Your skin

No matter what age you are, it is important you identify your skin type to provide it with the ingredients it needs to be beautiful. Your skin type may change frequently so change your products according to your needs.

The Teens

Your skin can be very unpredictable as a teen. Hormones are going crazy and it can be hard for teenagers to understand why their skin doesn’t look the same as the models they follow on social media – the models with a make-up artist and several stylists on standby.

Here are some top tips to master the beauty regime as a teen.

– Spot prone skin: opt for facial products which contain tea tree to help fight blemishes. For the bigger break outs, apply a small swab of Listerine mouth wash at night to help dry it out.

– Dry skin: use a light moisturiser. Anything too rich will lead teenage skin to break out or become greasy.

– Greasy skin: exfoliate at least twice a week on top of the daily cleansing. Apply a toner after your cleansing session in the evening.

Eyebrows

Parents have asked me, when should my daughter start getting their eyebrows waxed? I didn’t discover eyebrow shaping until I was 17 (thanks mum!).

I think that as soon as you feel ready to have an eyebrow shape then you should go for it. Always have a professional wax your eyebrows to ensure you don’t take too much away.

I have heard clients say that when you start waxing or plucking your eyebrows more hair grows back. This is just not true, if anything it will destroy the follicle over time which will stop growing a hair.

‘Club 18 to 30’

Thankfully your skin starts to settle down from the unpredictable teenage years.

The perfect regime: Cleanse your skin morning and night. Apply moisturiser before bed and exfoliate twice a week.

The 30 to 50 group

Don’t neglect your skin, you may not get break outs anymore but it is important to continue to exfoliate your skin twice a week to keep fine lines away and use a rich moisturiser to give your skin the hydration It needs.

Over 50s

Stay radiant with a hydrating oil.

You may find you cut down your exfoliating because skin can become more delicate but ensure you keep up your cleansing regime, but opt for a milder solution.

 

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Swapping your usual face make-up, drinking plenty of water and taking cool showers can all help prolong your post-holiday beauty look and suntan.

The hair and beauty experts at online retailer Hairtrade.com have researched the best ways to keep your holiday glow for as long as possible.

We all love building our tan when sunbathing abroad but it’s a devastating feeling when you notice your tan lines gradually disappearing once back in the UK.

Holidaymakers may also notice smooth and soft skin after a break away due to natural exfoliation and soft highlights in their hair after hours spent lying next to the pool.

Other tips for prolonging your holiday beauty look include making sure to moisturise every day, wearing bright coral shades and investing in a decent silver shampoo.

Joanne Dodds, from Hairtrade.com, said: “We all look and feel our best after an exotic break away, with our bleached locks and sunkissed skin.

“Looking like you’ve just stepped away from the beach is the dream look during the summer season so prolonging your post-holiday style is important. Nobody likes losing their holiday tan.

“We’ve put together some useful tips on ways to keep that holiday style going. If these are followed, say hello to a long-lasting glow. Everybody will be asking whether you enjoyed your holiday!”

Here are the top tips on prolonging your holiday beauty look:

1. Take cool showers
Sticking to cooler showers and using a moisturising shower gel helps to really lock-down your holiday colour. Hotter temperatures can dry out your skin, leading to the dreaded peeling.

2. Moisturise
The best way to really keep your tan going is by daily moisturising – both in the mornings and before going to bed. This keeps your skin feeling fresh and firm. It’s also worth investing in a useful after-sun lotion to hang on to your tan.

3. Use gradual tan
We can never really predict the British weather, especially during the summer, so no matter how long it stays sunny you won’t get in as much sunbathing as you would abroad. A way of keeping your holiday tan topped up is by using an all-over body gradual tan. This will keep your colour going for longer (and nobody will know it’s part-fake).

4. Drink lots of water
It may not be as warm outside as when you were away but carry on drinking as much water. Keeping hydrated can help prolong the life of skin cells, and will also plump and smooth the skin.

5. Coral lipstick
We all have our favourite summer shades and winter shades but coral is the perfect colour to pose in during and after your holiday. The warm red, orange and pink tones add a flash of colour to your make-up and will help bring out the colour of your tan – even if it’s starting to slightly fade.

6. Special shampoo
You may notice a change in hair colour after a week or two in the sun – exposure to the sun will slowly lighten your hair. This is because of the melanin – a pigment found in your skin and hair cells that gives each its colour. The sun will bleach the melanin found in your hair. If you quite like sporting a blonder look when back at home, keep your hair looking light and fresh with a silver or purple shampoo. This will reverse brassy and yellow tones. It’s also important to keep your hair moisturised after a week away, so that it doesn’t get too dry.

7. Exfoliate
It might seem like the last thing you should be doing but regularly exfoliating your skin while in the shower remove dull, parched surface cells and keep it looking hydrated. This is also helpful before applying gradual fake tan.

8. Statement nails
We all like getting our nails done before going off on our holidays, but why should this stop when you’re back at home? If you can’t afford regular manicures and pedicures, why not invest in your own gel nail kit and UV lamp. These can be bought at sites including Hairtrade.com and will save you lots of money in the long run.

9. Swap your face make-up
Because of the change in skin tone after your holiday, you may need to change the shades of your usual foundation, concealer and powder. To really show off your tan, ditch the heavy stuff and opt for a BB cream or tinted moisturiser. These are lighter in texture so your glowing skin will shine through.

10. Beach waves
We all know the best hairstyle to sport while on the beach and that’s effortless boho waves. This look isn’t just for your holiday though – re-create the style with a pair of large curling tongs and a bottle of salt spray. This will add texture to your hair, just like you get from the sea, and will help create that beach waves finish.

Indulging in a spot of pampering at a spa can come at a hefty price but what many beauty fans don’t realise is that a number of popular treatments can be re-created at home.

Body scrubs, facials, lip scrubs and hair treatments can all be made using ingredients you usually find around the house – including honey, olive oil, sugar and even chocolate.

The money saving gurus at PromotionalCodes.org.uk have discovered ten luxury DIY spa treatments that can easily be whipped up in the kitchen, saving you hundreds of pounds.

Everyone loves a relaxing spa day every once in a while but many of the day venues and hotels come with whopping prices, with treatments stacking up additional costs.

For a frugal alternative, why not transform your living room into a spa for the evening and treat you and your friends to a series of homemade routines, all made from items you usually already have stocked.

A spokesperson for PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “There’s nothing better than relaxing and unwinding with an indulgent spa day but they don’t come cheap.

“If you’re still wanting a spot of pampering but are on a budget, it’s easy to transform your home into a spa for the day.

“Get your dressing gown ready, warm up some towels and take a sip of the bubbly stuff, all while enjoying a selection of DIY and bargain beauty treatments.”

Here are ten DIY spa treatments you can create at home:

1. Lemon Glow Yoghurt Mask
There are a number of skin benefits in both lemon and yoghurt. Lemon contains alpha hydroxy acids and Vitamin C, both of which have healing properties and can help with acne scarring and inflammation. Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which can help to remove dead skin cells and reverse the signs of aging. To make a facial mask, simply combine two tablespoons of yoghurt with two drops of lemon juice and leave on for 20 minutes.

2. Honey and Olive Oil Body Moisturiser
Olive oil has been a staple among Mediterranean women for centuries as a moisturiser as it contains rich antioxidants, while honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into the skin for great hydration. For a rich body moisturiser, mix one tablespoon of honey with three tablespoons of olive oil and slather on your arms, knees and body.

3. Rose and Coconut Bath
Don’t settle for your usual bubble bath when it’s at-home spa day – treat yourself to a sensual rose and coconut concoction. While you’re running your bath, add a few drops of rose oil and a heaped tablespoon of coconut oil – both of which can be bought at pharmacies.

4. Chocolate Face Mask
Don’t eat all of the chocolate just yet! While it may be tempting, chocolate can be extremely hydrating for the skin as well as helping with toning and lifting. To make your own face mask, mix one tablespoon of melted chocolate with one tablespoon of thick cream and one tablespoon of honey. Apply to your face and neck for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

5. Olive Oil Hair Treatment
Olive oil isn’t just good for the skin – its ingredients are beneficial to both your hair and scalp. The antioxidants protect the hair follicles and the oil also penetrates the scalp and hair better than any other oil, resulting in shiny, healthy hair with improved elasticity.

6. Sugar Lip Scrub
There’s no better way to get silky smooth lips than with a gentle scrub. It couldn’t be easier to whip up your own at home – just combine some Vaseline with a heap of brown sugar and rub over your lips before applying your usual balm.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Cleanser
This type of vinegar can help restore your skin’s pH levels, which can soothe breakouts, prevent clogged pores and stop skin from becoming either too dry or too oily. Simple mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and shake well. Apply to your clean face with a cotton pad. Follow with your usual moisturiser.

8. Sugar and Honey Body Scrub
This homemade scrub is both invigorating and nourishing, and can be used all over the body. Sugar is a humectant, which can help the skin retain moisture, and also contains glycolic acid, which can help encourage cell turnover and fresh-looking skin. Honey is also beneficial for the skin as it is a gentle ingredient that helps to remove dirt. To make the scrub, mix one cup of brown sugar with three tablespoons of honey. You can also add a tiny splash of olive oil and essential oil.

9. Homemade Bath Bombs
Bath bombs look good and smell nice but they can come at hefty prices. How about giving making your own a go – you will need one cup of baking soda, half a cup of citric acid, half cup of salt, one teaspoon of water, one teaspoon of essential oil and three teaspoons of olive oil. Mix all of the dry ingredients in one bowl and all of the liquid ingredients in a separate bowl. Then slowly mix together, before shaping the mixture into your desired shapes and moulds – then let it dry.

10.DIY Eye Soothers
Stress and tiredness can lead to red, puffy eyes and the simple use of tea bags can be effectively soothing. Chamomile, Green and Black Tea are all anti-flammatory, with green and black tea also containing flammins. These can help reduce swelling. Simply soak two tea bags in boiled water before removing and placing in the fridge. Then place one bag over each eye and relax for 15 minutes.

Choose the safe way to tan this summer. With these top tips you can’t go wrong

‘Do It Yourself’ fake tan
I discovered Bondi Sands tan last month when shopping for a tanning lotion. After living in Bondi, Sydney a few years ago I was drawn to it and excited to try the product.

I chose the light/medium because I am naturally fair skinned.

The tan developed within an hour and I was left with a flawless tan which I could only ever achieve after a couple of weeks sunbathing on Bondi beach.

How to do it:
Step 1: Exfoliate your skin from head to toe the day before. Avoid using products which contain oils.
Step 2: Wash your skin, ensure you are 100% dry and do not use deodorant.
Step 3: Moisturise your skin focusing on areas prone to be dry, such as elbows and knees.
Step 4: Place the mitt on your hand and pump a generous amount of foam tan on to it.
Step 5: Apply to the body using stroking motions.
Step 6: Ensure everywhere is covered and leave to develop.
Step 7: Wash off after full development time. Use a mild soap.
The Salon Spray Tan
There are a range of spray tan brands which all develop slightly differently in tone, depth and smell.
Sienna X professional tan has a range of different colours to suit your skin tone. The tan should last from five to seven days.
When you book your spray tan, ask your beautician for pre-tan tips.
Sienna X spray tans are available from Violet Sky Beauty, at Holland & Co, Bridgnorth, £17.